Depressants
- Slow down the functions of the central and autonomic nervous system
- Strengthens feelings of wellbeing and euphoria
- Sedation and brings on sleep
- Loss of sensation, anaesthetic effects
- Reduces pain, analgesia effects
- Reduces anxiety and panic
- Decreases heart rate and slow respiration
Major types of depressants are
Sedative hypnotics –alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates
Cannabis –yarndi, pot
Narcotic analgesics – opium, heroin, morphine, pethidine, codeine
Non-narcotic analgesics – aspirin, paracetamol
General anaesthetics –ether, nitrous oxide
Inhalants – petrol, glue etc
GHB
Amyl Nitrite
Hallucinogens
- A class of drug with the ability to produce a spectrum of vivid sensory distortions and also alter mood and thought
- Can affect all the senses
- The effect produced by a hallucinogen and the subjective reactions to the effects can differ among users ranging from euphoria through to sheer terror
Major types of hallucinogens are
Lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD
Ketamine
Psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Lysergic acid amine (morning glory plant)
Mescaline (from the peyote cactus)
Datura (trumpet flower)
Dimethyltryotamine (DMT, business man lunch)
Belladonna
Myristrin and elemicin (nutmeg and mace)
Stimulants
- Increases activity in the central and autonomics nervous system
- Increases wakefulness and hides signs of fatigue
- Suppresses appetite and produces insomnia
- Increases feeling of well being and euphoria
- Increases heart rate, blood pressure and respiration system
- Constrict blood vessels and dilates the pupils
Major types of stimulants are
Nicotine – tobacco
Caffeine – coffee, chocolate, cola and energy drinks, guarana
Amphetamines (Benzedrine, dexamphetamine / Dexedrine, methamphetamines – ice / crystal meth / base / shabu, speed)
Cocaine
